Week ahead in Alabama politics: Governor to tell us the State of the State; legislators get back to work

MONTGOMERY, Alabama --- Expect a steady stream of Alabama political news this week, as the Legislature returns for its annual session.

Here are a few story lines to watch:

-- State finances. The Legislative Fiscal Office and the governor’s budget office will outline the state's financial outlook on Monday. The annual briefings include revenue projections and other key numbers as lawmakers prepare to tackle the state budgets.

After that, budget hearings begin for state agencies, with three of the biggies up first: Medicaid, the Department of Corrections and the state court system. The education budget hearings are Tuesday.

-- State of the State. Gov. Robert Bentley will give his State of the State address Tuesday evening. Expect him to request a pay raise for teachers and legislation to help the state recruit job-creating businesses. Alabama Public Television's coverage begins at 6 p.m.